Universal pipe sleeve junction for an aspirated smoke detection system

ABSTRACT

Methods, devices, and systems for a universal pipe sleeve junction for an aspirated smoke detection system are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a sleeve body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an opening through the sleeve body, wherein the sleeve body further includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite the first end surface, and a nozzle having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the nozzle defining an opening through the nozzle and extending through to the inner surface of the sleeve body, where the nozzle opening is configured to couple with a pipe sleeve attachment mechanism.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/506,384, filed Jul. 9, 2019, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,543,057on Jan. 3, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems for auniversal pipe sleeve junction for an aspirated smoke detection system.

BACKGROUND

Facilities, such as commercial facilities, office buildings, hospitals,and the like, may have control systems that can be used during anemergency situation, such as, for instance, a fire, to manage theemergency situation in and/or around the facility. Such control systemsmay rely on detection systems to detect a fire, such as an aspiratedsmoke detection system. An aspirated smoke detection system can be asystem having a detection unit which draws air through a network ofpipes to detect smoke. For example, a facility may utilize a series ofpipes located throughout the facility that can draw air from variousspaces in the facility to the detection unit to detect smoke.

The aspirated smoke detection system may utilize such pipes in order tosample various locations in the facility for smoke. For example, thepipes may include sampling points located in the various locations inthe facility through which air is drawn into the pipe system. Upondetection of smoke, other fire hardware devices may activate, such asaudible alarms, visual alarms, pre-programmed messages on a display,etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of a perspective view of a universal pipe sleevejunction for an aspirated smoke detection system, in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of auniversal pipe sleeve junction for an aspirated smoke detection system,in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example of a perspective view of a universal pipe sleevejunction for an aspirated smoke detection system coupled with pipes anda calibrated sampling point cap, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of auniversal pipe sleeve junction for an aspirated smoke detection systemcoupled with pipes and a calibrated sampling point cap, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an example of a perspective view of a universal pipe sleevejunction for an aspirated smoke detection system coupled with pipes anda plug cap, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of a pipesleeve for an aspirated smoke detection system coupled with pipes and aplug cap, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is an example of a perspective view of a universal pipe sleevejunction for an aspirated smoke detection system coupled with a pipe, aline end cap, and a plug cap, in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of auniversal pipe sleeve junction for an aspirated smoke detection systemcoupled with a pipe, a line end cap, and a plug cap, in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods, devices, and systems for a universal pipe sleeve junction foran aspirated smoke detection system are described herein. In someexamples, one or more embodiments include a sleeve body having an outersurface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an openingthrough the sleeve body, wherein the sleeve body further includes afirst end surface and a second end surface opposite the first endsurface, and a nozzle having an outer surface and an inner surface, theinner surface of the nozzle defining an opening through the nozzle andextending through to the inner surface of the sleeve body, where thenozzle opening is configured to couple with a universal pipe sleevejunction attachment mechanism.

As described above, an aspirated smoke detection system of a facilitymay utilize a series of pipes located throughout the facility that drawair from various spaces in the facility to detect smoke. For example,sampling point holes may be drilled into various locations of the pipein order to draw air from the various spaces into the pipes.

In order to accommodate the layout of the facility, the pipes may bejoined together via a universal pipe sleeve junction. As used herein,the term “universal pipe sleeve junction” refers to a covering thatcreates a barrier between a pipe and its surroundings. For example, auniversal pipe sleeve junction can connect to a portion of pipe (e.g.,at a junction) by creating a barrier between the portion of pipe and theuniversal pipe sleeve junction and an area exterior to the portion ofthe pipe and the universal pipe sleeve junction. As a result, gastransiting between the portion of pipe and the universal pipe sleevejunction does not exit the pipe at the junction of the portion of pipeand the universal pipe sleeve junction, nor does gas located outside ofthe portions of pipe and the universal pipe sleeve junction enter theportion of pipe and the universal pipe sleeve junction.

In previous approaches, glue may be used to attach the pipe with a pipesleeve. For example, a pipe sleeve may be glued to a portion of pipe inorder to connect the portion of pipe and the pipe sleeve together.However, glue may take time to dry, resulting in delays incommissioning, testing, and/or utilizing the aspirated smoke detectionsystem while the glue dries.

Due to the layout of certain facilities, additional parts such as lineend caps may be utilized to cap a portion of pipe. For example, in orderto cap a portion of pipe of the aspirated smoke detection system, a lineend cap may be utilized to stop flow of gas in the pipe in a certaindirection. However, line end caps can be additional parts in theaspirated smoke detection system, which can increase installation and/orcommissioning times, as well as costs.

A universal pipe sleeve junction for an aspirated smoke detectionsystem, in accordance with the present disclosure, can allow for auniversal pipe sleeve junction to join two portions of pipe, include asampling point to draw air from various spaces to detect smoke, and/orreceive a line end cap to cap a portion of the aspirated smoke detectionsystem. Utilizing such a universal pipe sleeve junction can allow forsafer installation procedures, as drilling a section of pipe to create asampling point in the pipe can be avoided. Additionally, the universalpipe sleeve junction can be installed without the use of glue, resultingin faster and easier installation as components don't need to bepositioned while the glue polymerizes. Further, utilizing the universalpipe sleeve junction can result in faster testing and/or commissioningof the aspirated smoke detection system, which can lower the time tooperation of the aspirated smoke detection system. Further, since theuniversal pipe sleeve junction can join portions of pipe, include asampling point, and/or receive a line end cap, costs for installing anaspirated smoke detection system can be reduced as fewer parts arerequired as compared with previous approaches.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof. The drawings show by wayof illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may bepracticed.

These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those ofordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments hereincan be added, exchanged, combined, and/or eliminated so as to provide anumber of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Theproportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in thefigures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the presentdisclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the firstdigit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and theremaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing.Similar elements or components between different figures may beidentified by the use of similar digits. For example, 106 may referenceelement “06” in FIG. 1 , and a similar element may be referenced as 206in FIG. 2 .

As used herein, “a”, “an”, or “a number of” something can refer to oneor more such things, while “a plurality of” something can refer to morethan one such things. For example, “a number of components” can refer toone or more components, while “a plurality of components” can refer tomore than one component.

FIG. 1 is an example of a perspective view of a universal pipe sleevejunction 100 for an aspirated smoke detection system, in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 ,the universal pipe sleeve junction 100 can include a sleeve body 102 anda nozzle 112. The sleeve body 102 can include an outer surface 104, aninner surface 106, an opening 107, a first end surface 108, and a secondend surface 110. The nozzle 112 can include a cap surface 113, an outersurface 114, an inner surface 116, and an opening 118.

The universal pipe sleeve junction 100 can be utilized in an aspiratedsmoke detection system. For example, the universal pipe sleeve junction100 can join two portions of pipe in an aspirated smoke detection systemtogether (e.g., as is further described in connection with FIGS. 3-6 ),receive a calibrated sampling point cap (e.g., as is further describedin connection with FIGS. 3-4 ), receive a plug cap (e.g., as is furtherdescribed in connection with FIGS. 5-6 ), and/or attach to a portion ofpipe and receive a line end cap (e.g., as is further described inconnection with FIGS. 7-8 ), among other examples.

The inner surface 106 of the sleeve body 102 can define an opening 107through the sleeve body 102. The opening 107 of the sleeve body 102 canbe of a shape and/or dimension to receive a portion of a pipe (e.g., asis further described in connection with FIGS. 3-8 ) and/or a line endcap (e.g., as is further described in connection with FIGS. 7-8 ).

The first end surface 108 of the sleeve body 102 can be oriented suchthat the first end surface 108 is substantially perpendicular to a pipein an example in which the sleeve body 102 couples with (e.g., receives)a pipe in the opening 107 of the sleeve body 102. In some examples inwhich the sleeve body 102 couples with (e.g., receives) a line end cap,the first end surface 108 can be adjacent to a surface of the line endcap.

The second end surface 110 of the sleeve body 102 can be locatedopposite of the first end surface 108 and can be oriented such that thesecond end surface 110 is substantially perpendicular to a pipe in anexample in which the sleeve body 102 couples with (e.g., receives) apipe in the opening 107 of the sleeve body 102. In some examples inwhich the sleeve body 102 couples with (e.g., receives) a line end cap,the second end surface 110 can be adjacent to a surface of the line endcap.

The opening 107 can extend through the sleeve body 102 from the firstend surface 108 to the second end surface 110. As a result, gas flowingfrom the first end surface 108 (e.g., from a pipe coupled to the firstend surface 108 of the universal pipe sleeve junction 100) to the secondend surface 110 (e.g., to a pipe coupled to the second end surface 110of the universal pipe sleeve junction 100) can transit the sleeve body102, as is further described in connection with FIGS. 2-8 .

The universal pipe sleeve junction 100 can include a nozzle 112. As usedherein, the term “nozzle” refers to a projecting spout of a chamber. Forexample, the nozzle 112 can project from the outer surface 104 of thesleeve body 102.

The inner surface 116 of the nozzle 112 can define an opening 118 of thenozzle 112 extending through to the inner surface 106 of the sleeve body102. As a result, gas flowing from an exterior of the universal pipesleeve junction 100 to the opening 107 via an annulus of a calibratedsampling point cap can transit the nozzle 112 for use in smokedetection, as is further described in connection with FIGS. 3-4 .

The first end surface 108, the second end surface 100, and/or the nozzleopening 118 can couple with (e.g., receive) a pipe sleeve attachmentmechanism. As used herein, the term “pipe sleeve attachment mechanism”refers to a structure designed to perform a specified function. Forexample, a pipe sleeve attachment mechanism can be a structure thatperforms a particular function when attached to the universal pipesleeve junction 100. For instance, the pipe sleeve attachment mechanismcan be a calibrated sampling point cap (e.g., a structure that allowsgas exterior to the universal pipe sleeve junction 100 to be drawn intothe universal pipe sleeve junction 100 via the nozzle opening 118, as isfurther described in connection with FIGS. 3-4 ), a plug cap (e.g., astructure that prevents gas exterior to the universal pipe sleevejunction 100 from being drawn into the universal pipe sleeve junction100 via the nozzle opening 118, as is further described in connectionwith FIGS. 5-6 ), and/or a line end cap (e.g., a structure that preventsgas exterior to the universal pipe sleeve junction 100 from being drawninto the universal pipe sleeve junction 100 via the first end surface108 or the second end surface 110, as is further described in connectionwith FIGS. 7-8 ) among other examples of pipe sleeve attachmentmechanisms.

FIG. 2 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of auniversal pipe sleeve junction 200 for an aspirated smoke detectionsystem, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The universal pipe sleeve junction 200 is analogous to theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and can includea sleeve body 202 having a first end surface 208, a second end surface210, an inner surface 206, and a nozzle 212. The inner surface 206 ofthe sleeve body 202 can include a portion 220 with a first diameter, aportion 222 with a second diameter, and flanges 224-1, 224-2. The nozzle212 can include a cap surface 213, an outer surface 214, an innersurface 216, and an opening 218. The inner surface 216 of the nozzle 212can include a flange 226.

As previously described in connection with FIG. 1 , the universal pipesleeve junction 200 can be utilized in an aspirated smoke detectionsystem and can include an inner surface 206 defining an opening throughthe sleeve body 202 of the universal pipe sleeve junction 200. Theopening through the sleeve body 202 can be of a shape and/or dimensionto receive a portion of a pipe (e.g., as is further described inconnection with FIGS. 3-8 ) and/or a line end cap (e.g., as is furtherdescribed in connection with FIGS. 7-8 ).

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the inner surface 206 of the sleeve body 202can include a first portion 220 having a first diameter. For example,the inner surface 206 can have a first portion 220 having a diameterindicated in FIG. 2 as “D1”. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the universalpipe sleeve junction 200 can include a portion on the left of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 200 having diameter D1, indicated in FIG.2 as sub-portion 220-1 of first portion 220 and a portion on the rightof the universal pipe sleeve junction 200 having diameter D1, indicatedin FIG. 2 as sub-portion 220-2 of first portion 220.

The sub-portions 220-1 and 220-2 of first portion 220 can be of equallengths (e.g., measured from the first end surface 208 and/or second endsurface 210 along a length of the universal pipe sleeve junction 200towards the second portion 222). However, embodiments of the presentdisclosure are not so limited. For example, sub-portions 220-1 and 220-2can be different lengths (e.g., the sub-portion 220-1 can be longer orshorter than the sub-portion 220-2).

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the inner surface 206 of the sleeve body 202can include a second portion 222 having a second diameter. For example,the inner surface 206 can have a second portion 222 having a diameterindicated in FIG. 2 as “D2”. The first diameter D1 can be greater thanthe second diameter D2. For example, the diameter of sub-portions 220-1and 220-2 can include a diameter that is greater than the diameter ofsecond portion 222.

As previously described in connection with FIG. 1 , the inner surface216 of the nozzle 212 can define an opening 218 of the nozzle 212. Theopening 218 can extend through the sleeve body 202 of the universal pipesleeve junction 200 to the second portion 222 of the inner surface 206of the sleeve body 202. As a result, gas flowing from an exterior of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 200 to the opening in the sleeve body 202of the universal pipe sleeve junction 200 via an annulus of a calibratedsampling point cap can transit the nozzle 212 for use in smokedetection, as is further described in connection with FIGS. 3-4 .

The first end surface 208 and/or the second end surface 210 can couplewith a pipe at the sub-portion 220-1 and/or 220-2 of the inner surface206 of the sleeve body 202, respectively. For example, an outer diameterof a pipe can be a same or similar diameter as diameter D1 such that thepipe can be received in the sub-portion 220-1 of the inner surface 206of the sleeve body 202. Similarly, an outer diameter of a pipe can be asame or similar diameter as diameter D1 such that the pipe can bereceived in the sub-portion 220-2 of the inner surface 206 of the sleevebody 202. The inner diameter of the received pipe (e.g., at thesub-portions 220-1 and/or 220-2) can be the same as diameter D2, as isfurther described in connection with FIGS. 3-8 .

The sleeve body 202 can include flanges 224-1, 224-2 located on theinner surface 206 of the sleeve body 202. As used herein, the term“flange” refers to a projecting rim. For example, flanges 224-1, 224-2can project from the inner surface 206 of the sleeve body 202. Theflanges 224-1, 224-2 can interact with an outer surface of a pipereceived by the sleeve body 202 in order to provide an interference fitto couple with the pipe and/or couple with a line end cap, as well asseal the universal pipe sleeve junction 200 and the pipe and/or line endcap, as is further described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the first flanges 224-1 can project from theinner surface 206 of the sleeve body 202 and be located proximal to thefirst end surface 208. For example, the first flanges 224-1 can belocated a distance from the first end surface 208 and project from theinner surface 206 of the sleeve body 202 to provide an interference fitto couple with the pipe, couple with a line end cap, and/or seal theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 200 and the pipe and/or line end cap.

Similarly, the second flanges 224-2 can project from the inner surface206 of the sleeve body 202 and be located proximal to the second endsurface 210. For example, the second flanges 224-2 can be located adistance from the second end surface 210 and project from the innersurface 206 of the sleeve body 202 to provide an interference fit tocouple with the pipe, couple with a line end cap, and/or seal theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 200 and the pipe and/or line end cap.

Although the inner surface 206 of the universal pipe sleeve junction 200is illustrated as having two first flanges 224-1 and two second flanges224-2, embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. Forexample, the inner surface 206 can include less than two first flanges224-1 or more than two first flanges 224-1. Similarly, the inner surface206 can include less than two second flanges 224-2 or more than twosecond flanges 224-2. Additionally, although the inner surface 206 isdescribed as having a same number of first flanges 224-1 and secondflanges 224-2, embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited.For example, the inner surface 206 can include a number of first flanges224-1 (e.g., one) that is less than a number of second flanges 224-2(e.g., two), or vice versa, among other differing amounts of flanges224.

The inner surface 216 of nozzle 212 can define an opening 218 of thenozzle 212 extending through to the portion 222 of the inner surface 206having the second diameter D2. The nozzle 212 can be integral with thesleeve body 202. For example, the sleeve body 202 and the nozzle 212 canbe of the same material type and/or formed during the same manufacturingprocess (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printing, injection molding,etc.).

The opening 218 of the nozzle 212 can couple with a pipe sleeveattachment mechanism. For example, an outer diameter of a portion of apipe sleeve attachment mechanism can be a same or similar diameter asthe portion of the inner surface 216 of the nozzle 212 such that thepipe sleeve attachment mechanism can be received in opening 218 of thenozzle 212.

The inner surface 216 of the nozzle 212 can include a nozzle flange 226.The nozzle flange 226 can project from the inner surface 216 of thenozzle 212. The nozzle flange 226 can interact with the outer surface ofthe pipe sleeve attachment mechanism in order to provide an interferencefit to couple with the pipe sleeve attachment mechanism and/or seal theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 200 and the pipe sleeve attachmentmechanism, as is further described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the nozzle flange 226 can project from theinner surface 216 of the nozzle 212 and be located proximal to the capsurface 213 of the nozzle 212. For example, the nozzle flange 226 can belocated a distance from the cap surface 213 and project from the innersurface 216 of the nozzle 212 to provide an interference fit to couplewith the pipe sleeve attachment mechanism, as is further described inconnection with FIGS. 3-6 .

FIG. 3 is an example of a perspective view of a universal pipe sleevejunction 328 for an aspirated smoke detection system coupled with pipes330-1, 330-2 and a calibrated sampling point cap 332, in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The universal pipesleeve junction 328 is analogous to the universal pipe sleeve junction100, 200, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 ,respectively, and can include a first end surface 308 and a second endsurface 310.

The first end surface 308 can couple with a pipe 330-1 and the secondend surface 310 can couple with a pipe 330-2. For example, the innersurface (e.g., inner surface 106, 206, previously described inconnection with FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively) can define an opening(e.g., opening 107, previously described in connection with FIG. 1 )that can receive pipe 330-1 and 330-2.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 3 for clarity, the inner surface of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 328 can include flanges as previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 2 . The flanges can create aninterference fit between the universal pipe sleeve junction 328 and thepipes 330-1, 330-2 to create a seal between the inner surface of thesleeve body and the pipes 330-1, 330-2, as is further described inconnection with FIG. 4 .

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the universal pipe sleeve junction 328 caninclude a pipe sleeve attachment mechanism coupled to the nozzle opening(e.g., opening 118, 218, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1and 2 ) of universal pipe sleeve junction 328. The pipe sleeveattachment mechanism can be a calibrated sampling point cap 332. As usedherein, the term “calibrated sampling point cap” refers to a pipe sleeveattachment mechanism having a structure to allow gas exterior to theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 328 to be drawn into the universal pipesleeve junction 328 to allow for smoke testing. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 3 , the calibrated sampling point cap 332 caninclude an annulus of a predetermined calibrated size to draw gas fromthe exterior of the universal pipe sleeve junction 328 into theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 328, as is further described inconnection with FIG. 4 .

FIG. 4 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of auniversal pipe sleeve junction 428 for an aspirated smoke detectionsystem coupled with pipes 430-1, 430-2 and a calibrated sampling pointcap 432, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The universal pipe sleeve junction 428 is analogous to theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 100, 200, 328, previously described inconnection with FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , respectively. The calibratedsampling point cap 432 is analogous to the calibrated sampling point cap332, previously described in connection with FIG. 3 , and can include anannulus 434 therethrough.

The first end surface 408 can couple with pipe 430-1 and the second endsurface 410 can couple with pipe 430-2. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 428 can include flanges 424-1, 424-2. Thefirst flanges 424-1 can create an interference fit between the universalpipe sleeve junction 428 and the pipe 430-1. Similarly, the secondflanges 424-2 can create an interference fit between the universal pipesleeve junction 428 and the pipe 430-2. The flanges 424-1 and 424-2 canseal the universal pipe sleeve junction 428 with the pipes 430-1, 430-2to prevent gas in pipes 430-1, 430-2, and/or the universal pipe sleevejunction 428 from leaking to the exterior of the pipes 430-1, 430-2,and/or the universal pipe sleeve junction 428, as well as prevent gaslocated exterior to the pipes 430-1, 430-2, and/or the universal pipesleeve junction 428 from entering the pipes 430-1, 430-2, and/or theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 428.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , an outer diameter of pipe 430-1 can be a sameor similar diameter as diameter D1 such that the pipe 430-1 can bereceived in a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve body of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 428 (e.g., sub-portion 220-1, previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 2 ). Similarly, an outer diameter ofpipe 430-2 can be a same or similar diameter as diameter D1 such thatthe pipe 430-2 can be received in a portion of the inner surface of thesleeve body of the universal pipe sleeve junction 428 (e.g., sub-portion220-2, previously described in connection with FIG. 2 ). The innerdiameter (e.g., “D3”) of pipe 430-1 and the inner diameter of pipe 430-2(e.g., “D3”) can be a same or similar diameter as a portion of the innersurface of the sleeve body of the universal pipe sleeve junction 428having diameter D2 (e.g., sub-portion 220-2, previously described inconnection with FIG. 2 ). The same and/or similar diameters D2 and D3can allow for gas to transit pipe 430-1, universal pipe sleeve junction428, and pipe 430-2 while preventing unintended flow dynamics such asturbulent flow of gas around the universal pipe sleeve junction 428.

The universal pipe sleeve junction 428 can include a nozzle (e.g.,nozzle 112, 212, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 ,respectively) having a nozzle flange 426. The nozzle flange 426 cancreate a seal between the inner surface of the nozzle and the coupledsampling point cap 432 to prevent gas in the universal pipe sleevejunction 428 from leaking to the exterior of the universal pipe sleevejunction 428 between the calibrated sampling point cap 432 and the innersurface of the nozzle, as well as prevent gas located exterior to theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 428 from entering the universal pipesleeve junction 428 between the calibrated sampling point cap 432 andthe inner surface of the nozzle.

The calibrated sampling point cap 432 can include an annulus 434therethrough. As used herein, the term “annulus” refers to a ring-shapedspace. For example, the annulus 434 can be a space of a predeterminedcalibrated size extending through the calibrated sampling point cap 432from a top surface of the calibrated sampling point cap 432 to thebottom surface of the calibrated sampling point cap 432 (e.g., asoriented in FIG. 4 ). The annulus 434 can define an opening (e.g., thespace) through the calibrated sampling point cap 432 to the openingthrough the sleeve body of the universal pipe sleeve junction 428, suchthat a negative pressure inside the sleeve body of the universal pipesleeve junction 428 (e.g., and the aspirated smoke detection system) cancause gas located outside of the universal pipe sleeve junction 428 toflow through the annulus 434 into the universal pipe sleeve junction428. The gas transited through the annulus 434 of the calibratedsampling point cap 432 can be provided for smoke testing. In such amanner, the universal pipe sleeve junction 428 can join two portions ofpipe 430-1, 430-2 without using glue and include a sampling point todraw air from various spaces in a facility to detect smoke withoutdrilling sections of pipe to create sampling points, resulting in saferinstallation of the aspirated smoke detection system as well as fastertesting and/or commissioning as compared with previous approaches.

FIG. 5 is an example of a perspective view of a universal pipe sleevejunction 536 for an aspirated smoke detection system coupled with pipes530-1, 530-2 and a plug cap 538, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure. The universal pipe sleevejunction 536 is analogous to the universal pipe sleeve junction 100,200, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 ,respectively, and can include a first end surface 508 and a second endsurface 510.

The first end surface 508 can couple with a pipe 530-1 and the secondend surface 510 can couple with a pipe 530-2. For example, the innersurface (e.g., inner surface 106, 206, previously described inconnection with FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively) can define an opening(e.g., opening 107, previously described in connection with FIG. 1 )that can receive pipe 530-1 and 530-2.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 5 for clarity, the inner surface of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 536 can include flanges. The flanges cancreate an interference fit between the universal pipe sleeve junction536 and the pipes 530-1, 530-2 to create a seal between the innersurface of the sleeve body and the pipes 530-1, 530-2, as is furtherdescribed in connection with FIG. 6 .

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the universal pipe sleeve junction 536 caninclude a pipe sleeve attachment mechanism coupled to the nozzle opening(e.g., opening 118, 218, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1and 2 ) of universal pipe sleeve junction 536. The pipe sleeveattachment mechanism can be a plug cap 538. As used herein, the term“plug cap” refers to a pipe sleeve attachment mechanism having astructure to prevent gas exterior to the universal pipe sleeve junction536 from being drawn into the universal pipe sleeve junction 536. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the plug cap can seal the nozzle ofthe universal pipe sleeve junction 536, allowing the universal pipesleeve junction 536 to function as a junction such that gas can transitthe pipe 530-1, universal pipe sleeve junction 536, and pipe 530-2, asis further described in connection with FIG. 6 .

FIG. 6 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of auniversal pipe sleeve junction 636 for an aspirated smoke detectionsystem coupled with pipes 630-1, 630-2 and a plug cap 638, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The universalpipe sleeve junction 636 is analogous to the universal pipe sleevejunction 100, 200, 536, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1,2, and 5 , respectively. The plug cap 638 is analogous to the plug cap538, previously described in connection with FIG. 5 .

The first end surface 608 can couple with pipe 630-1 and the second endsurface 610 can couple with pipe 630-2. As illustrated in FIG. 6 , theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 636 can include flanges 624-1, 624-2. Thefirst flanges 624-1 can create an interference fit between the universalpipe sleeve junction 636 and the pipe 630-1. Similarly, the secondflanges 624-2 can create an interference fit between the universal pipesleeve junction 636 and the pipe 630-2. The flanges 624-1 and 624-2 canseal the universal pipe sleeve junction 636 with the pipes 630-1, 630-2to prevent gas in pipes 630-1, 630-2, and/or the universal pipe sleevejunction 636 from leaking to the exterior of the pipes 630-1, 630-2,and/or the universal pipe sleeve junction 636, as well as prevent gaslocated exterior to the pipes 630-1, 630-2, and/or the universal pipesleeve junction 636 from entering the pipes 630-1, 630-2, and/or theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 636.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , an outer diameter of pipe 630-1 can be a sameor similar diameter as diameter D1 such that the pipe 630-1 can bereceived in a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve body of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 636 (e.g., sub-portion 220-1, previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 2 ). Similarly, an outer diameter ofpipe 630-2 can be a same or similar diameter as diameter D1 such thatthe pipe 630-2 can be received in a portion of the inner surface of thesleeve body of the universal pipe sleeve junction 636 (e.g., sub-portion220-2, previously described in connection with FIG. 2 ). The innerdiameter (e.g., “D3”) of pipe 630-1 and the inner diameter of pipe 630-2(e.g., “D3”) can be a same or similar diameter as a portion of the innersurface of the sleeve body of the universal pipe sleeve junction 636having diameter D2 (e.g., sub-portion 220-2, previously described inconnection with FIG. 2 ). The same and/or similar diameters D2 and D3can allow for gas to transit pipe 630-1, universal pipe sleeve junction636, and pipe 630-2 while preventing unintended flow dynamics such asturbulent flow of gas around the universal pipe sleeve junction 636.

The universal pipe sleeve junction 636 can include a nozzle (e.g.,nozzle 112, 212, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 ,respectively) having a nozzle flange 626. The nozzle flange 626 cancreate a seal between the inner surface of the nozzle and the coupledplug cap 638 to prevent gas in the universal pipe sleeve junction 636from leaking to the exterior of the universal pipe sleeve junction 636between the plug cap 638 and the inner surface of the nozzle, as well asprevent gas located exterior to the universal pipe sleeve junction 636from entering the universal pipe sleeve junction 636 between the plugcap 638 and the inner surface of the nozzle. In such a manner, theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 636 can join two portions of pipe 630-1,630-2 without using glue and function as a junction between the twoportions of pipe 630-1, 630-2 resulting in faster testing and/orcommissioning as compared with previous approaches.

FIG. 7 is an example of a perspective view of a universal pipe sleevejunction 740 for an aspirated smoke detection system coupled with a pipe730-1, a line end cap 742, and a plug cap 738, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure. The universal pipe sleevejunction 740 is analogous to the universal pipe sleeve junction 100,200, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 ,respectively, and can include a first end surface 708 and a second endsurface 710.

The first end surface 708 can couple with a pipe 730-1. For example, theinner surface (e.g., inner surface 106, 206, previously described inconnection with FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively) can define an opening(e.g., opening 107, previously described in connection with FIG. 1 )that can receive pipe 730-1.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 7 for clarity, the inner surface of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 740 can include flanges. The flanges cancreate an interference fit between the universal pipe sleeve junction740 and the pipe 730-1, as well as between the universal pipe sleevejunction 740 and the line end cap 742 to create a seal between the innersurface of the sleeve body, the pipe 730-1, and the line end cap 742, asis further described in connection with FIG. 8 .

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the universal pipe sleeve junction 740 caninclude a pipe sleeve attachment mechanism coupled to the nozzle opening(e.g., opening 118, 218, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1and 2 ) of universal pipe sleeve junction 740. The pipe sleeveattachment mechanism can be a plug cap 738. The plug cap 738 can sealthe nozzle of the universal pipe sleeve junction 740 in a manneranalogous to that previously described herein.

The universal pipe sleeve junction 740 can further include a differentpipe sleeve attachment mechanism coupled to the second end surface 710.The different pipe sleeve attachment mechanism can be a line end cap742. As used herein, the term “line end cap” refers to a pipe sleeveattachment mechanism having a structure to prevent gas exterior to theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 740 from being drawn into the universalpipe sleeve junction 740. The line end cap 742 can be used at the lineend of the aspirated smoke detection system. For example, a line of pipemay extend a particular distance throughout the facility until aparticular point (e.g., the line end), where the line of pipe can besealed off using the universal pipe sleeve junction 740 in conjunctionwith the line end cap 742, as is further described in connection withFIG. 8 .

FIG. 8 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of auniversal pipe sleeve junction 840 for an aspirated smoke detectionsystem coupled with a pipe 830-1, a line end cap 842, and a plug cap838, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The universal pipe sleeve junction 840 is analogous to theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 100, 200, 740, previously described inconnection with FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 , respectively. The plug cap 838 isanalogous to the plug cap 538, 638, 738 previously described inconnection with FIGS. 5-7 , respectively.

The first end surface 808 can couple with pipe 830-1 and the second endsurface 810 can couple with the line end cap 842. As illustrated in FIG.8 , the universal pipe sleeve junction 840 can include flanges 824-1,824-2. The first flanges 824-1 can create an interference fit betweenthe universal pipe sleeve junction 840 and the pipe 830-1. Similarly,the second flanges 824-2 can create an interference fit between theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 840 and the line end cap 842. The flanges824-1 and 824-2 can seal the universal pipe sleeve junction 840 with thepipe 830-1 and the line end cap 842 to prevent gas in pipe 830-1 and/orthe universal pipe sleeve junction 840 from leaking to the exterior ofthe pipe 830-1 and/or the universal pipe sleeve junction 840, as well asprevent gas located exterior to the pipe 830-1 and/or the universal pipesleeve junction 840 from entering the pipe 830-1 and/or the universalpipe sleeve junction 840.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , an outer diameter of pipe 830-1 can be a sameor similar diameter as diameter D1 such that the pipe 830-1 can bereceived in a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve body of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 840 (e.g., sub-portion 220-1, previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 2 ). Similarly, an outer diameter of aportion of the line end cap 842 can be a same or similar diameter asdiameter D1 such that the portion of the line end cap 842 can bereceived in a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve body of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 840 (e.g., sub-portion 220-2, previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 2 ). As illustrated in FIG. 8 , theinner diameter (e.g., “D3”) of pipe 830-1 can be a same or similardiameter as a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve body of theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 840 having diameter D2 (e.g., sub-portion220-2, previously described in connection with FIG. 2 ).

The universal pipe sleeve junction 840 can include a nozzle (e.g.,nozzle 112, 212, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 ,respectively) having a nozzle flange 826. The nozzle flange 826 cancreate a seal between the inner surface of the nozzle and the coupledplug cap 838 to prevent gas in the universal pipe sleeve junction 840from leaking to the exterior of the universal pipe sleeve junction 840between the plug cap 838 and the inner surface of the nozzle, as well asprevent gas located exterior to the universal pipe sleeve junction 840from entering the universal pipe sleeve junction 840 between the plugcap 838 and the inner surface of the nozzle.

Although the universal pipe sleeve junction 840 is illustrated asincluding a plug cap 838 with the line end cap 842, embodiments of thepresent disclosure are not so limited. For example, the universal pipesleeve junction 840 can include a calibrated sampling point cap (e.g.,sampling point cap 332, 432, previously described in connection withFIGS. 3 and 4 , respectively) with the line end cap 842 such that theuniversal pipe sleeve junction 840 can draw air from various spaces todetect smoke.

In such a manner, the universal pipe sleeve junction 840 can cap pipe830-1 without using glue and/or other different capping pieces, allowingfor the use of a particular pipe sleeve to function in different ways.Using the universal pipe sleeve junction 840 in such a way can result inless parts and faster testing and/or commissioning of an aspirated smokedetection system as compared with previous approaches.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of thedisclosure.

It is to be understood that the above description has been made in anillustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of theabove embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically describedherein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing theabove description.

The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes anyother applications in which the above structures and methods are used.Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullrange of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are groupedtogether in example embodiments illustrated in the figures for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of thedisclosure require more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim.

Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter liesin less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed:
 1. A universal pipe sleeve junction for an aspiratedsmoke detection system, comprising: a sleeve body having an outersurface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an openingthrough the sleeve body and including a first portion having a firstdiameter and a second portion having a second diameter, wherein thesleeve body further includes: a first end surface; a second end surfaceopposite the first end surface; and a plurality of flanges located onthe inner surface of the sleeve body and configured to couple with apipe; a nozzle having a cap surface, an outer surface, and an innersurface, the inner surface of the nozzle defining an opening from thecap surface through the nozzle and extending through to the innersurface of the sleeve body; and a sampling point cap having a samplingpoint cap flange and an outer surface having a constant diameter,wherein: the outer surface is configured to directly couple to theopening through the nozzle via an interference fit with the innersurface of the nozzle to create a seal between the inner surface of thenozzle and the outer surface of the sampling point cap, the samplingpoint cap having an annulus defining an opening through the samplingpoint cap such that a negative pressure inside the sleeve body is tocause gas located outside the universal pipe sleeve junction to flowthrough the annulus into the universal pipe sleeve junction for smoketesting; and the sampling point cap flange abuts the cap surface whenthe outer surface of the sampling point cap is directly coupled to theopening, the sampling point cap flange having a diameter that is largerthan the diameter of the outer surface of the sampling point cap.
 2. Theuniversal pipe sleeve junction of claim 1, the first diameter of thefirst portion of the inner surface is greater than the second diameterof the second portion of the inner surface.
 3. The universal pipe sleevejunction of claim 1, wherein the opening through the nozzle extendsthrough to only the second portion of the inner surface of the sleevebody.
 4. The universal pipe sleeve junction of claim 1, wherein theplurality of flanges are located circumferentially around the innersurface of the sleeve body.
 5. The universal pipe sleeve junction ofclaim 4, wherein the plurality of flanges project from the inner surfacetowards the opening through the sleeve body.
 6. The universal pipesleeve junction of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first endsurface and the second end surface is configured to couple with the pipeat the first portion of the inner surface of the sleeve body.
 7. Theuniversal pipe sleeve junction of claim 1, wherein an inner diameter ofthe pipe is a same diameter as the second diameter of the second portionof the inner surface of the sleeve body so as to prevent turbulent flowof gas within the universal pipe sleeve junction.
 8. The universal pipesleeve junction of claim 1, wherein two flanges of the plurality offlanges are located proximal to and axially spaced apart from the firstend surface.
 9. The universal pipe sleeve junction of claim 1, whereintwo flanges of the plurality of flanges are located proximal to andaxially spaced apart from the second end surface.
 10. A universal pipesleeve junction for an aspirated smoke detection system, comprising: asleeve body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the innersurface defining an opening through the sleeve body and including afirst portion having a first diameter and a second portion having asecond diameter, wherein the sleeve body further includes: a first endsurface; a first plurality of flanges on the inner surface and locatedproximal to the first end surface; a second end surface opposite thefirst end surface; and a second plurality of flanges on the innersurface and located proximal to the second end surface; a nozzleintegral with the sleeve body and having a cap surface, an outersurface, and an inner surface, the inner surface of the nozzle definingan opening from the cap surface through the nozzle and extending throughto the second portion of the inner surface of the sleeve body; and asampling point cap having a sampling point cap flange and an outersurface having a constant diameter, wherein: the outer surface isconfigured to directly couple to the opening through the nozzle via aninterference fit with the inner surface of the nozzle to create a sealbetween the inner surface of the nozzle and the outer surface of thesampling point cap, the sampling point cap having an annulus defining anopening through the sampling point cap such that a negative pressureinside the sleeve body is to cause gas located outside the universalpipe sleeve junction to flow through the annulus into the universal pipesleeve junction for smoke testing; and the sampling point cap flangeabuts the cap surface when the outer surface of the sampling point capis directly coupled to the opening, the sampling point cap flange havinga diameter that is larger than the diameter of the outer surface of thesampling point cap.
 11. The universal pipe sleeve junction of claim 10,wherein: the first plurality of flanges are configured to couple with afirst pipe at the first end surface of the sleeve body; and the secondplurality of flanges are configured to couple with a second pipe at thesecond end surface of the sleeve body.
 12. The universal pipe sleevejunction of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of flanges comprises asame number of flanges as the second plurality of flanges.
 13. Theuniversal pipe sleeve junction of claim 10, wherein the first pluralityof flanges comprises a different number of flanges than the secondplurality of flanges.
 14. A universal pipe sleeve junction system for anaspirated smoke detection system, comprising: a universal pipe sleevejunction comprising: a sleeve body having an outer surface and an innersurface, the inner surface defining an opening through the sleeve bodyand including a first portion having a first diameter and a secondportion having a second diameter, wherein the sleeve body furtherincludes: a first end surface; a first flange on the inner surface ofthe sleeve body and located proximal to the first end surface; a secondend surface opposite the first end surface; and a second flange on theinner surface of the sleeve body and located proximal to the second endsurface; and a nozzle integral with the sleeve body and having a capsurface, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the inner surface ofthe nozzle defining an opening from the cap surface through the nozzleand extending through to the inner surface of the sleeve body; and asampling point cap having a sampling point cap flange and an outersurface having a constant diameter, wherein: the outer surface isconfigured to directly couple to the opening through the nozzle via aninterference fit with the inner surface of the nozzle to create a sealbetween the inner surface of the nozzle and the outer surface of thesampling point cap, the sampling point cap having an annulus defining anopening through the sampling point cap such that a negative pressureinside the sleeve body is to cause gas located outside the universalpipe sleeve junction to flow through the annulus into the universal pipesleeve junction for smoke testing; and the sampling point cap flangeabuts the cap surface when the outer surface of the sampling point capis directly coupled to the opening, the flange having a diameter that islarger than the diameter of the outer surface of the sampling point cap.15. The system of claim 14, wherein the system further includes a pipehaving an outer surface configured to couple with the universal pipesleeve junction at the first end surface such that the first flange isdirectly coupled with the outer surface to create an interference fitwith the pipe.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first flangeprovides a seal between the sleeve body and the outer surface of thepipe to prevent gas located inside the universal sleeve pipe junctionfrom flowing out of the universal pipe sleeve junction along the outersurface of the pipe.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the innersurface includes a stepped surface oriented substantiallyperpendicularly to the first portion and the second portion.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the system further includes a pipeconfigured to couple with the universal pipe sleeve junction at thefirst end surface such that the pipe is located directly adjacent to thestep surface of the inner surface.
 19. The system of claim 14, whereinthe system further includes a line end cap configured to couple with theuniversal pipe sleeve junction at the second end surface such that thesecond flange is directly coupled with the line end cap to create aninterference fit with the line end cap.
 20. The system of claim 19,wherein the second flange provides a seal between the sleeve body andthe line end cap to prevent gas located inside the universal sleeve pipejunction from flowing out of the universal pipe sleeve junction aroundthe line end cap.